I absolutely love this flow chart, which answers in multiple ways the most common question I receive: How  does acupuncture work? 

If you're considering acupuncture as part of your New Year's health plan, or if you have more questions, get in touch!

It's that time again!

I mentioned last year that the start of a new year is always something I look forward to, because it's perfect for both reflection & goal setting. For a natural list-maker, New Year's is ideal ;)

My New Year's Ritual involves a practice I call 'My Year In Review'. I sit down with a beverage, pull out my calendar from the last year, and write. I write down in point form, and using different categories, a summary of the year that has past.  Next, again using categories, I write goals for the year ahead.
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Time is funny.  Sometimes one minute can feel like forever, while at other times a month (or year!) seems to disappear in a blink of an eye.  This ritual allows me to take an honest evaluation of: Am I spending my precious time on this earth doing what is most important to me? 

The aim of this practice is not just noting  'accomplishments' such as work accomplishments or gaining a certain number of instagram followers. Though those things may be victories and well worth noting, my ritual looks more broadly at a year. Which is why the key to this ritual is categories. 

A year not only brings things of our own initiation, it also brings events beyond our control. Perhaps you lost a loved one this  year, and a significant time was spent grieving. Perhaps you read a book that impacted your outlook on life.  Perhaps you dedicated more time to your health, or learned to cook a new dish that you enjoy. Just as I like to look holistically at a person, I like to look holistically at a year as well. 

Here are some categories to consider:

Work
Friends
Family
Love
Loss
​Health
Travel
Nature
Activism
Self-care
Movement
Books / Films / Entertainment / Culture
Celebrity sightings
New endeavors

Reflecting on a broad range can give you a greater sense of satisfaction, and/or an honest look at what might be missing.  Are you spending your precious time on what you value most? 

Taking stock of your year, and reflecting on this question, it is now time for Part 2: a look at the new year ahead.  If you like, use the same categories and try to fill in something for each. Keep it simple. For each one, write at least 1-3 concrete actions so these dreams can begin to manifest.

You can post your goals for 2019 somewhere in your home if you want to be reminded throughout the year. This may help you refocus when distractions creep in. 

This is one way to celebrate the end of the year, to look forward to the year ahead, and ultimately to live with greater awareness and appreciation. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

Wishing you a wonderful 2019. 

Warmly,
Laura

The Winter Solstice brings the deepest of yin, calling us inwards. In #chinesemedicine, this #yin time of year is the time to nourish our Kidney system (think: adrenals!) and rest, rest, rest. Yet the lead-up to the holidays isn’t the most conducive to slowing down. Two contrasting rhythms are at play: one of the earth's light retreating, one of the economy’s high-speed consuming. At this time, I invite you to take an evening, an hour, or a few minutes of your consciousness, to turn out the lights, light a candle, to sit & experience the awe of darkness and of stillness. To draw attention inward and explore the deep, dark, watery mysteries fo existence. And see that you are a source of light. #wintersolstice ​

I just love this list! There's something here for everyone, adults & kids alike. I think I'll do numbers 8, 12 & 15. How about you?